Wellbore Intervention Tool for Flow Control Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow restriction devices in the oil and gas industry face limitations such as being adapted to only operate within specific reservoir conditions, erosion, failure, and obsolescence, leading to suboptimal performance over time, necessitating a method for modification to optimize fluid flow and extend well life.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore intervention tool with a housing, penetration device, and sensor is used to remove and replace flow control elements like chokes, plugs, or tortuous paths in wellbore tubulars, allowing for precise modification and optimization of fluid flow by creating orifices and installing new elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flow restriction devices are installed to control fluid flow, then fluid flow control is improved, but the devices become obsolete or fail over time due to erosion and changing reservoir conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restriction device incorporates adjustable elements that can be modified in situ through wellbore intervention. The device transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, allowing flow control parameters to be changed without removing the device, thereby extending service life while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows modification of flow control parameters (such as choke size, opening area) through wellbore intervention tools. By changing these parameters in response to changing reservoir conditions, the device maintains optimal performance over extended periods, addressing both reliability and duration concerns
2Reliability
If flow restriction devices are designed for specific reservoir conditions, then initial performance is optimized, but they cannot adapt when reservoir conditions change over time
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with adjustable components that can be modified through wellbore intervention. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to changing reservoir conditions, maintaining performance optimization across different operational phases
Solution Approach 2:
The flow restriction device is designed to perform multiple functions across different reservoir conditions. Through wellbore intervention, the same device can be reconfigured for various flow control scenarios, enhancing both adaptability and sustained performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If wellbore intervention tools are used to modify flow restriction devices, then device adaptability is improved, but the complexity of the intervention process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore intervention tool is designed with nested components that allow compact storage and deployment. The tool incorporates a housing, penetration device, and installation device that can be stored within each other, reducing overall complexity while maintaining modification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The intervention tool combines multiple functions (penetration, removal, installation) into a single integrated device. By merging these operations into one tool rather than requiring separate tools for each function, the overall system complexity is reduced while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modifying an element on a section of wellbore tubular includes positioning a wellbore intervention tool at a first location on the tubular, operating a penetration device to remove the element and create an orifice on the section of wellbore tubular, and operating an installation device to install a replacement element in the orifice.